Newcastle Falcons' preparations for the new season took a turn for the better thanks to Sunday's 37-10 victory over French side Racing Metro in Lille.

Following defeats to Western Force and Leeds Carnegie, tries from Phil Dowson, Brent Wilson, Tom May and Tim Swinson helped lift the pre-season pessimism.

Director of rugby Steve Bates told the club website: "The week's camp has been first class.

"We have enjoyed superb facilities and the team have bonded considerably."

The gloom descended at Newcastle when England stars Toby Flood and Mathew Tait both left at the end of last season.

Tait moved to Sale Sharks, while Flood departed for Leicester Tigers. But Bates is confident that a corner has been turned after a week of dressing room bonding.

There is still lots to work on, let's not pretend otherwise. But the effort and application from the boys was a very positive step in the right direction Newcastle Falcons coach Steve Bates

"Our hosts at Lille Metropole Rugby could not have done a better job in accommodating us throughout the week," said Bates.

"We have got through a lot of very high quality work in training and put in a very impressive performance against a strong side.

"There is still lots to work on, let's not pretend otherwise.

"But the effort and application from the boys was a very positive step in the right direction as we prepare for Sale Sharks on 7 September.

"The most pleasing aspect was that the players put in to practice the tactics we had discussed at length on the training pitch and in our meetings, some of which are a pretty big departures from our previous playing style.

"But they executed them very clinically and with effective results."